Crunchy Apple Carrot Salad with Creamy Citrus Dressing

By Dailyquickmeals

A vibrant and crunchy salad combining apples, carrots, and a creamy citrus dressing, perfect for healthy snacking or festive gatherings.

Ingredients 

Salad Ingredients

• 2 large carrots, peeled and grated
• 2 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), cored and diced Add lemon juice immediately after chopping to prevent browning.
• 1 cup red cabbage, finely shredded
• 1/2 cup raisins or dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup walnuts or pecans, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Creamy Citrus Dressing

• 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon honey or to taste
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions 

Preparation

• Start by peeling and grating the carrots into a large mixing bowl.
• Core the apples and chop them into small, bite-sized pieces. Immediately add them to the bowl with the grated carrots.
• Shred the red cabbage finely and add it to the bowl along with the raisins or dried cranberries, chopped walnuts or pecans, and fresh parsley.

Make the Dressing

• In a separate small bowl, combine the plain Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, fresh orange juice, lemon juice, honey, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk until smooth and creamy.

Combine

• Pour the dressing over the salad mixture in the large bowl. Gently toss everything together until well-coated.
• Taste the salad and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or honey if needed.
• If time allows, let the salad sit in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes before serving.

Serve

• Serve chilled or at room temperature, garnished with additional chopped nuts or parsley if desired.

Notes

This salad is gluten-free, make-ahead friendly, and versatile for various additions such as ginger, pears, or cheese. Store leftovers in an airtight container and enjoy the next day.